Holmqvist, Andreas

Russia won the annual Karjala Tournament today on goal differential beating the Czech Republic 4-1 in their tournament finale. Lightning prospect forward Anton But did not appear in the tournament for Russia after making the initial roster for the team. Blueliner Andreas Holmqvist finished tied with center Rickard Wallin for Team Sweden's lead in points with 1 goal and 3 points in 3 games. Sweden finished second in the tournament, losing the tiebreaker to the Russians on goal differential.

Controversial question of the day: given how much David Schneider has struggled early in the season for Norfolk, do you think the Lightning regret not making more of a pitch for Holmqvist who, although he has his shortcomings, is recognized as one of the better power play quarterbacks in the Elitserien today?

The annual Karjala Cup, a leg of the yearly Euro Tour of the best club players from the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, and Sweden, is slated to begin on Thursday as he European leagues are all winding down toward the Karjala Cup break. Two Lightning properties are currently slated to play in the tournament: Russian winger Anton But and Swedish defenseman Andreas Holmqvist.

The break is also a period of significant transfer activity and with several Lightning prospects in contractual limbo, the break may offer some interesting outcomes for players like Evgeny Artyukhin, Denis Kazionov, and Vasily Koshechkin. We shall see.

Johan Harju was scoreless in Lulea's 5-3 loss to Farjestads. Former Lightning prospect Eero Somervuori had a goal in the game for Farjestads.

Despite an Andreas Holmqvist power play assist on a two man advantage, Frolunda was crushed 7-2 by Sodertalje. Former Lightning players Kristian Kudroc and Martin Cibak each had assists in the game for Sodertalje.

Andreas Holmqvist had a power play assist and 2 penalty minutes in Frolunda's 3-2 loss to Mora. Andreas has 1 goal and 6 points in 15 games with 2 penalty minutes and a +3 rating. He is second on Frolunda behind only former NHLer Tommi Kallio in shots on goal with 48.

MondayJohan Harju had a goal in Lulea's 4-3 loss to Skelleftea. Harju has 9 goals and 12 points in 15 games this season. He is currently tied for 2nd in the league in goals 1 back of Mattias Weinhandl of Linkopings.